2023/24 SEASON
Newport County endured a fairly inconsistent start to the 2023/24 season. A poor run of form from September until November saw the Exiles win just twice in 13 games. The Welsh side embarked on an impressive FA Cup run; Graham Coughlan’s narrowly lost out in a spirited performance against Manchester United. Fortunes began to look up for Newport in January with a seven-game unbeaten streak. They couldn’t quite keep up the form as they fell back into an inconsistent run. Newport lost their last eight games of the season to finish 18th in League Two.
TRANSFERS
During pre-season, Newport County brought in 14 permanent signings. They signed Anthony Glennon, Ciaran Brennan, Bobby Kamwa, Kai Whitmore, Jacob Carney, Cameron Antwi, Cameron Evans, Hamzad Kargbo, Joe Thomas, Michael Spellman, Geoffroy Bony, Courtney Baker-Richardson, Matthew Baker and Oliver Greaves. They also announced the loan incomings of Kyle Hudlin from Huddersfield Town, Noah Mawene from Preston North End, Kieron Evans from Cardiff City and Jamie Miley from Newcastle United. In the January transfer window, Jardim brought in David Ajiboye on loan from Peterborough United, Lewis Webb, Tom Davies, Josh Martin, Jaden Warner and Keenan Patten.
HEAD COACH
Nelson Jardim is fairly new to the managerial game, taking up his first role with at Newport County. The Portuguese-born coach has had stints at Swansea City, Leicester City, Nacional and Birmingham City. Jardim had previously managed solely in Portugal before joining Newport, taking charge of Santana, Canical and Marttimo B. The 45-year-old was named as manager of Newport in June, replacing Graham Coughlan. In his first season in South Wales, he currently has his side in 16th place – 14 points above the relegation zone and 12 points off the plat-offs.
GOALKEEPER
Nick Townsend has become an integral part of Newport County’s side of the last couple of seasons. He joined the club in August 2018 and had to be patient to wait for his chance to become the number one goalkeeper. The 30-year-old has made over 150 appearances for the Exiles, including 34 games this term. Townsend has also kept 11 clean sheets in all competitions this season. The shot-stopper started his career with Birmingham City before joining Barnsley in 2015; he has also had loan spells at Oxford City, Lincoln City and Solihull Moors.
DEFENDER
Matthew Baker is in his third separate spell with Newport County, having had two previous stints in South Wales. The defender spent ten years in Gillingham’s academy before moving to Stoke City in 2021. He chose to re-join Newport on a permanent basis in the summer of 2024 and has continued to play an important role in Nelson Jardim’s defence. The 22-year-old has played almost 100 times for the Rodney Parade outfit, scoring three times in 34 games this campaign. Baker has represented Wales at U17, U19 and U21 level as well as being called up to the senior side in June 2024.
MIDFIELDER
Cameron Antwi joined the club at the start of this season from fellow Welsh club Cardiff City. After time in Fulham’s academy, he moved to Blackpool before signing a professional contract in 2020. He made two appearances in two years and had loan spells at Southport and AFC Telford United. Antwi also spent two years at Cardiff but only played once. The 23-year-old has made 33 appearances this season and scored his first professional goal in Newport’s 3-0 away win against Crew Alexandra in February. The midfielder is known for his versatility, able to play in multiple positions in the middle of the park.
FORWARD
Bobby Kamwa has provided a vitally important attacking output this season with eight goals and four assists. The forward, who can play through the middle as well on the wings, He started with Leeds United before leaving for Burton Albion in 2022 – after a loan spell at Dunfermline Athletic. Kamwa scored four times in 42 league appearances and left the Pirelli Stadium in 2024. A move to Newport County followed and he was given a chance to become a regular contributor, playing 37 times so far this campaign. He has scored two hat-tricks this season, against MK Dons and Gillingham.
